I have to print a retraction to a statement that I made last night. Actually, I really just need to retract the statement from my wife since she is the only one that heard me say it. I was watching the coverage of the final 3 outs of the no hitter that John Lester threw last night and I simply said “that is what makes sports great”. Big deal right? Let me give you some context.
In case you missed it, John Lester beat cancer last year to return to the mound for the Boston Red Sox. Incredible story. To watch a man that has beat cancer complete one of the toughest things to do in baseball was inspiring and moving. His personal victory was on display for the entire world to see. That is why I made that statement. Take nothing away from John Lester. His achievement is incredible. Yet there are people that live right next to each of us that do the incredible every day. There just aren’t any cameras around to capture the moment.
That is why I must retract that statement. There are Husbands, Wives, Fathers, Mothers, Daughters and Sons that are fighting the battle of their lives. They face chemo treatments, surgeries, scans, tests and tough decisions. They work, raise families, support friends and find a way to persevere. Beating the odds, making a comeback and doing the unthinkable is not just what makes sports great. It happens every day. It happens all around us. It happens in hospitals, operating rooms, homes and offices every where.
Congratulations to John Lester. May his story inspire those that are fighting this same battle every day. May his victory remind us all that there are millions of people, many right next door, that are facing the same challenge each and every day. They just aren’t on ESPN.
i understand what you mean and its good that your wife reminded you… but i dont think you need to retract your statement… the thing that makes sports so great isn’t that he was able to do it, but that he has the opportunity to spotlight the fact that cancer CAN be beaten…
It CAN be an inspiration to those next door who don’t get on TV… “i can fight this… i can find something to motivate me… i can beat this” …. as a Christian, we have our reasons to fight (Family, His Will in our lives, etc), but Lester’s story gives people hope that they too can fight and win.
I don’t think you need to retract your statement.
Thank you for the inspiration! I was just diagnosed yesterday after 12 yrs. my breast cancer has returned. I beat it once, I can beat it again!!! If it weren’t for my faith, I wouldn’t know how to do it again.
No need to retract anything, brother! Lester’s feat the other night was fantastic and gives those of us fighting the battle more inspiration. We need some cancer survivors in the lime light to show us that this stupid disease can be beaten!
Thanks for the replies.
Jay – It CAN be beaten! As you said, I hope that Lester’s story touches many.
Stephanie – I sent you an email off-line too, but know that we are praying for you as you face the road to becoming a survivor again.
Stef – Brother you inspire many and there are no cameras to record the events. Your journey continues to touch anyone that comes into contact with you either through your blog, in person or someone sharing with another person. Keep refusing to lose and we will continue to celebrate better than as if you had pitched a no hitter.